I wouldn’t call myself a minimalist but I’m certain no maximalist either. I don’t like clutter on my dresser, desk, kitchen counter, or anywhere, really.

I try to live by the rule that whenever I buy something new, something old has to be donated. For instance, I recently received a new Fall outfit from prAna. As a result, I added two pieces of clothing that no longer fit me to the Goodwill bag.

When I looked in my closet, I mean really, really looked, I was surprised to find a good amount of clothing that a) is four or more sizes too big b) is no longer my style or c) what the heck was I thinking.

As I shook my head, I wondered what in the heck was I thinking? Why am I allowing these pieces of clothing to take up space in my closet?

Then I realized…

I haven’t decluttered and purged my house in over a year. A year is a long time for me you guys.

So you might be wondering, what does decluttering and purging actually mean?

While these terms have different definitions depending on who you talk to me, for me, it means donating or selling items that I no longer wear, use, like, or want.

Do you have items taking up space that you no longer wear, use, like, or want?

If so, I’ll hope you’ll join my 30 day declutter challenge.

Yes, I know the holidays are coming but here’s why you need to start today.

3 Reasons You Should Start the 30 Day Declutter Challenge Now

Know What You Have

There are times I’ve gone looking for a belt or scarf or craft tool only to discover things I forgot I owned. How ridiculous is that? Why should we not know (or forget) what we own? This usually happens because we have too much stuff.

When you declutter and purge your space, you’re aware of what you have and where it’s located.

2. Know What You Need

I recently had to dress up for an occasion and let me tell you, dresses are not my thing. Since I couldn’t wear my Bob’s with the cat print or flip-flops, I put on what I call my dressy shoes.

Well, guess what?

Since I’ve lost weight, my feet have shrunk.

The shoes weren’t just too big. They were unwearable big.

So at the last minute, I had to scramble to the shoe store and buy something that fits.

When was the last time I went through all of my shoes and tried them on? Which ones fit? Which ones hurt my feet?

What shoes still fit your kid? Which ones have they outgrown?

If you go through their clothing items now, you’ll know what they’ll need.

This is great information to have for holiday shopping. Don’t you think?

Let’s declutter now so we don’t waste our precious time and money.

3. Avoid the January chaos

After the joy and fun and excitement of the holidays, most people experience a bit of sadness in the month of January. This is normal. What’s also normal is this is the time that people start a new fitness routine, diet, or other adventure.

This is also the time when people start to feel a bit overwhelmed with their space.

After the Christmas tree comes down, and the decorations are put away, we’re left with our stuff.

We’re surrounded by all of the stuff we had before Christmas but now we’re surrounded by the stuff we received during Christmas.

All of this stuff can make us feel irritable, chaotic, and claustrophobic.

Who wants to start the new year feeling like that? Not me.

That’s why I hope you start the declutter challenge now. Avoid the January chaos.

To help you get started, I’ve created a FREE 30 Day Declutter Challenge Task list. While this task list doesn’t cover all the decluttering possibilities in your home, it does give you a good place to start.

Placing an “X” mark over your completed tasks will certainly bring a sense of accomplishment.

If you’d like the black and white version of the task list, download by using the button below.

About Kim Dickerson (Winter + Sparrow)

Kim is the founder of Winter + Sparrow (formerly known as Saving More Than Me). She's a writer, creator. and cat herder. She's also a British TV junkie, drinker of all.the.tea., avid book reader, thrift store magnet, and Multiple Sclerosis warrior. She resides in beautiful Richmond, Virginia. P.S. Want to know more? Click here to find out what profession Kim previously worked in and discover what subjects her Master's degrees are in.